Article

AIM OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF RURAL SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE: A SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY
Vilma Atkociuniene, Gintare Vaznoniene, Rasa Pakeltiene

ABSTRACT. The rural social infrastructure should allow the formation of sustainable communities through the continued development of three-dimensional and inclusive community activities, allocation of resources, strengthening competencies and confidence of the people and community groups, enabling them to take effective action and leadership roles. The aim of the research, which is to carry out the subjective and objective assessment of rural social infrastructure sectors, has established the effect for sustainable community formation. This study revealed that the highest degree of sustainable community express when the rural social infrastructure is well developed, able to satisfy the present and the miscellaneous community needs, to ensure a high quality of life, various services and social goods. The sustainable community is correct, tolerant, binding strong local culture in exchange of other community-based activities. The sustainable community is effective, incorporating to participation, representation and leadership; it is correct for everyone now and in the future; this is a community that is able to efficiently use the natural resources and enhance the environment, strengthen the social cohesion and integration and economic viability, able to meet not only the present but also the future needs, a high quality of life and ensure the availability and alternative of options.
The subjective assessment of the state of Lithuanian rural social infrastructure sector indicates that the residents in the pilot areas are generally satisfied with the condition of the rural social infrastructure. The subjective and objective assessment of Lithuanian rural social infrastructure sectors has shown that the residents in the pilot areas are generally satisfied with the condition of rural social infrastructure. According to the respondents' evaluations of the pilot communities in rural areas, the expression of sustainability is 3.2 scores (out of 5), reached 64 percent of the community sustainability level. There is 36 percent of untapped potential to strengthen the cohesion of the community, and the development of Lithuanian rural social infrastructure should be of aspirational high degree of rural sustainability of community assurance
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